TAGGERUNG

When Deyna, an otter from Jacques's Redwall series who was kidnapped when he was only a few days old, realizes that he can no longer live among the vermin who raised him, he undertakes a quest to find a new life. The actors in this full-cast production create wonderful voices for the many characters Deyna meets on his way: Nimbalo the Slayer; Boorab, the greedy hare; and the wise badger, Cregga, are particularly memorable. Jacques's novel is filled with songs, many of which the actors sing beautifully a cappella. The fine moments make the production's weaknesses more regrettable. The music overpowers the singers in the few songs accompanied by music, several minor characters are difficult to understand, and there are no pauses to indicate scene changes within chapters. Still, this is good family fun. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 03/JAN 04]